If you were to custom order a new rod what handle would you put on it? Straight cork or the black plastic reel seat? I have had Croix rods with the reel seat and like the fact that the reel stays in place securely, but are there advantages to the all cork?
prefer cork, sensitivity 
Reel seat for me.
Tho I never would never order a custom rod of any kind (make my own)I cant stand the thought of paying the ungodly high prices they want for them and have to tape a reel on,it just doesn’t make sense to me.
JMHO 
Cork ! I use electrical tape to hold the reel on 
Prefer cork,but I am going to try the graphite Tennessee grip on a few ice rods.I found an old Cabela’s 8″ Tennessee handle kit marked at 5.99.From the late 80s.So I can relate to the cost of cork these days 
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prefer cork, sensitivity
Help me understand that statement. Cork dampens vibrations. No way it’s more sensitive.
On an ice rod, your sensitivity comes from the tip. Then for added sensitivity, you want your reel in a position where you can put your finger on the blank while jigging.
Cork may be a little warmer. But I like the practicality of the reelseat. And I hate electrical tape on my cork and reels.
Reel seat. Electrical tape may be more traditional in some circles but how many summer rods do you see taped up? There must be a reason.
It all depends on who is making it, a reel seat will transfer more vibration IF the builder uses a full graphite arbor. odds are most wont and instead your going to get either masking or sheetrock tape.
if you order cork most handles are bored out so the same diameter as the blank which will also give sensitivity because you wont need any tape as an arbor…..
Ideally you would want a size 16 graphite reel seat with graphite arbors, hardwood, or some of the harder corks out there, keep in mind that wood and reel seats will also add weight.
Another option is Syncork- New to the ice rod market but well tested by musky and walleye guys. you can only get it at t bros, and they will add it to any builders blank for a small fee…..IMHO this is the best option for a “feel” rod
All my Loomis sticks have cork handles with polyurethane “slides” to hold the reel followed by electrical tape, the cork is much warmer in cold weather.And also I have NO problem with sensitivity…
I prefer cork and I build rods. I like the ability of being able to move the reel to where I think it feels comfortable. I can change it up too through out the season. I also use the graphite slip rings not reel tape.
With reel seats i have to find the exact spot i like it at. Once its there its not adjustable…
Not the sensitive type I line watch all year. I think I can judge what’s best so pm me for address to send these test rods?
Cork, it’s lighter.
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Ideally you would want a size 16 graphite reel seat with graphite arbors, hardwood, or some of the harder corks out there, keep in mind that wood and reel seats will also add weight.
A handle that’s too small makes your hand cramp up.
Many people prefer a larger reel seat like a size 20 or larger, especially if they have large hands. There’s virtually no weight difference between a 16 and a 20 because there’s about the same amount of material in each, with the 20 having a larger hole in it (zero weight for the hole. 
)
An alternative handle for a custom rod is a graphite handle, and if you don’t like tape or rings (most people HATE the rings) you can have the reel wrapped onto the handle like a line guide with thread and epoxy.
Good luck.
Dan
Cork. I have built our own rods for 30 years. I even slice the foam off cheap Ice Blue rods, lengthen the butt section with other rod pieces or arrow shafts and put new cork handles on. All my long thru the blank ice rods, everything gets cork.
Duke
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Cork ! I use electrical tape to hold the reel on
Works for me since about ’77 
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